Yao Shi looked at Zhang Jinyu and said, “With Chef Zhao resting for the next two days, I could come over to help with orders, but I’m afraid if something comes up, I might not be able to manage.”

“Moreover, the event is already set. If we cancel it now because of Chef Zhao’s sudden rest, Chef Gu will surely have opinions, especially since nobody can guarantee everything will be smooth on his end. What if someone else takes leave mid-way or if Chef Gu needs to suddenly take leave? Should we cancel midway then?”

“So the best way now is for us to work together and get through these two days! I’ll try to stay in the kitchen, but if something arises, I might need you all to work a bit harder.”

Everybody remained silent.

The saying goes, an arm can’t twist a thigh, anyone with a brain understands this.

Yao Shi made it clear; it was the boss who decided on hosting this competition.

The boss has made a decision, so what can we, the kitchen staff, say?

Put pressure on Yao Shi?

Don’t be ridiculous; unless you want to quit, why create trouble for your superior?

Zhang Jinyu was a bit thick-headed, didn’t he see he was already snapped at?

In the midst of the silent and solemn atmosphere, Fu Yu took a deep breath and stepped forward.

“Chef Yao, I can take the orders!”

Everyone turned at the sound, their eyes fell on Fu Yu.

Fu Yu said confidently and solemnly, “Chef Yao, I can take orders independently. During the two days Chef Zhao is resting, if you have other commitments, I can fill in!”

Sun Qingning was momentarily shaken!

On one hand, he was genuinely touched.

At such a moment, daring to step up and take the lead requires immense pressure to bear!

This involves prize money; if we can keep up with Chef Gu’s side for these two days, no one will complain.

But if we lag behind, and Chef Zhao returns to find we’ve fallen far behind, it’ll be hard not to face criticism!

Understanding this, Sun Qingning admired Fu Yu even more.

On the other hand, he genuinely thought his Chef Fu had sharp instincts and courage.

Zhang Jinyu’s interruption made it obvious to everyone that Yao Shi was in a tough spot!

Now was the time for a decision!

Fu Yu’s timely stance was relieving the burden off Chef Yao.

And no one could find any fault.

Fu Yu’s words were flawless.

He promised that if Chef Yao wasn’t around, he’d cover for him!

This was brilliant!

On one hand, he was doing Yao Shi a favor; on the other, if Yao Shi really had commitments, there was no one else but Fu Yu who could step in.

Even if he didn’t speak up, the responsibility would fall on him eventually.

Sun Qingning looked at Fu Yu with increasing reverence.

What a talent!

With a mind like Chef Fu’s, there’s no doubt he’ll achieve greatness in the future!

And when Fu Yu rises, would he also rise along with him?

Sun Qingning, for some reason, felt a surge of happiness, as if blessed by the heavens, and his impulsive enthusiasm led him to blurt out, “Chef Yao, I can assist Chef Fu and cooperate with him to complete the work!”

Their declarations broke the silence instantly.

Everyone now looked at them.

These two, one handsome, one clean-faced, exuded confidence: trust me, I can do it!

This made everyone else envious!

After all, at just over twenty, it’s the age of passion and vigor.

Such fearlessness and willingness to tackle challenges head-on is precisely what people their age should do and adopt as an attitude.

Reflecting inwardly, everyone present felt greatly motivated!

Envy aside!

Though everyone wanted to join in and express support!

But the words wouldn’t come out.

As mere kitchen helpers, they could, at best, run errands and occasionally grab some pickled vegetables, but the main cooking tasks were beyond their reach!

Yao Shi looked at Fu Yu and Sun Qingning, equally taken aback internally!

Zhao Meng had two promising talents around, after all!

How wonderful!

This duo actually reminded him a bit of their past selves.

Yao Shi’s sharp eyes lingered on Fu Yu and Sun Qingning for a moment before he finally spoke, “Great! Your enthusiasm comforts me! But as for taking orders independently, if the menu is simple and the number of dishes is small, there shouldn’t be any issue. However, with the festive season approaching, we are mostly getting orders for gatherings, and those are not small!”

“So, your attitude is enough. I’ll try to stay in the kitchen these two days, and if it doesn’t work, we’ll find another way!”

Yao Shi’s message was clear: your willingness is enough to move him, but taking orders alone should be done within one’s limits.

Fu Yu promptly assured, “Chef Yao, I can do it! I can now take orders independently and absolutely ensure the quality and speed of serving dishes!”

With a sweeping look over the silent crowd, Sun Qingning could no longer sit still. He stood up promptly to cheer for his Chef Fu: “Chef Yao, Chef Fu’s cooking skills are excellent, and he serves dishes particularly fast! After Chef Zhao fell ill yesterday, it was Chef Fu who managed the whole service period seamlessly, neither delaying orders nor affecting the serving of dishes, he can truly handle orders independently!”

A trace of admiration glimmered in Yao Shi’s eyes; Sun Qingning was rather perceptive.

Calmly, Yao Shi feigned surprise and asked, “Was it you who handled the orders independently yesterday? I thought Chef Gu’s side helped out.”

As soon as he said this, the crowd erupted.

Indeed!

After Zhao Meng collapsed yesterday, it was Fu Yu who managed everything!

If it weren’t for Fu Yu, they would have been in chaos!

Rely on Gu Yunwu to lend a hand?

Not possible, is it?

Now, they had already become opposing teams.

Each doing their own work, typically keeping to themselves.

If there were a wall between them, they would be two independent work teams.

The boss even organized a Mid-Autumn Festival competition and planned to give out bonuses, who knows how Gu Yunwu’s team is struggling to compete with them!

Initially, there was no choice, with Zhao Meng down, what could a herd of small fry do?

But now, Yao Shi already said he’d try to stay in the kitchen and help with orders.

Even if he had other commitments, wasn’t Fu Yu there?

Since things managed to go smoothly yesterday, surely they could today and tomorrow as well.

Just make it through these days, and when Zhao Meng returns, who knows where the bonus will end up!

Thinking like this, there seems to be a glimmer of hope!

With Sun Qingning leading, others joined in enthusiastically to support Fu Yu.

Yao Shi watched the scene in front of him with satisfaction, though he didn’t show it, hesitated briefly, and then asked, “Fu Yu, I actually have a lot going on these two days too, I’m not sure how much time I can spend in the kitchen. Can you really manage the orders independently?”

Fu Yu nodded earnestly, “Chef Yao, I can do it!”

At that moment, everyone in the kitchen focused their gaze intently on Fu Yu.

In their eyes were admiration, trust, envy, and praise!

It seemed like, no matter what the situation, it was always Fu Yu who stepped up!

The seafood porridge before was like this!

When Zhao Meng collapsed yesterday, it was like this!

Now, facing competition with Gu Yunwu, he stepped up once again!

Having someone like him around, you could admire him, appreciate him, but you had no reason to resent him, it’s hard to have any negative feelings toward him.

Seeing Fu Yu now, it’s as if everyone saw the goal for their future efforts!

Reaching such a level and realm leaves no room for jealousy, where can any envy exist?

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep